Current context domestic violence – England May 2009 Deborah McIlveen Policy Manager May 2009

Aims: Quality frameworks for domestic and sexual violence Challenges and the way forward

Women’s Aid Membership organisation – national network of 500+local domestic violence services across England Services – national helpline, UK Gold Book, training, research, publicity and guidance, UK Refuges on- line, on-line Survivor Handbook Partnerships – work with government, justice system, health, voluntary sector for a co-ordinated approach to end domestic violence Work is based on over 30 years of campaigning research and advocacy to improve responses and to prevent domestic violence What are the benefits of a specialist response to domestic violence? Understanding of domestic violence and its effects Model of self help and empowerment Effective support work increases safety

Key strategic aims: Provision Protection Prevention

What does diversity in service provision look like? Recognition of: - different experiences - barriers when seeking services Flexibility to be responsive to the wide ranging needs of survivors

What are the NSSDSV and why do we need them? Existing quality frameworks limited – criminal justice focus or SP To ensure good and safe practice in DSV service delivery Provide a benchmark to commission services against

National Service Standards National Occupational Standards Accredited Training Quality Service Framework

NSSDSV 1. Understanding domestic and sexual violence and its impact Outcome: Services demonstrate an appropriate and informed approach, relevant to their service users, that recognises and understands the dynamics and impacts of domestic and sexual violence within an equalities and human rights framework. 2. Safety, security and dignity Outcome: Services ensure that all interventions prioritise the safety, security and dignity of service users and staff 3. Diversity and fair access to services Outcome: Services respect the diversity of service users and positively engage in anti-discriminatory practice, and service users should be supported and assisted to access services on an equitable basis.

4. Advocacy and support Outcome: Services provide institutional/individual advocacy and/or support to promote the needs and rights of service user 5. Empowerment and participation Outcome: Services promote empowerment and self help to enable service users to take control of their lives and inform the delivery and development of services 6. Confidentiality Outcome: Services respect and observe service users’ right to confidentiality and all service users are informed of situations where that confidentiality may be limited. NSSDSV

7. A co-ordinated multi-agency response Outcome: Services operate within a context of relevant interagency cooperation, collaboration and coordinated service delivery. 8. Challenging social tolerance of domestic and sexual violence Outcome: Services challenge social tolerance of domestic and sexual violence in all aspects of their work and work from the belief that we share individual and collective responsibility for ending it. 9. Accountability and Governance Outcome: Services provide effective management of services so that service users receive a quality service from appropriately skilled staff.

Understanding domestic & sexual violence & its impact Standard 1.1 Services acknowledge and promote the understanding that that domestic and sexual violence is unacceptable and a violation of human rights. Standard 1.2 Services recognise that domestic and sexual violence takes place in a range of contexts in which the relationship is characterised by power and control (often based on gender or age) and is underpinned by the perpetrator’s sense of entitlement. Standard 1.3 Service recognise the links between domestic and sexual violence, violence against women and the abuse and neglect of children and acknowledge the implications of the above for help seeking, service provision, child and adult protection.

Standard 1.4 Services understand the impact that domestic and/or sexual violence has on service users, the barriers to disclosure, and operate from a position where service users are believed and listened to with respect and dignity. Standard 1.5 Services recognise that the social and cultural identities, needs, experiences and circumstances of individuals will impact on their experience of domestic and sexual violence and this is acknowledged within service planning and provision. Understanding domestic & sexual violence & its impact

Understanding domestic and sexual violence and its impact  Safety, security and dignity  Diversity and fair access to services  Advocacy and support  Empowerment and participation  Confidentiality  A coordinated multi-agency response  Challenging social tolerance of domestic and sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable  Accountability and governance CORE SERVICE STANDARDS FOR DOMESTIC & SEXUAL VIOLENCE Supported by Service Specific Standards for a range of specialist domestic and sexual violence services. Some examples are given below: Residential services Refuge - based services, move-on accommodation etc Outreach/ advocacy Outreach, floating support, drop-in centres, women’s safety services, counselling services, re- settlement, support groups etc IDVA & ISVA Services Court-based and ‘high risk’ advocacy services Helplines Local and national services Children’s Services Refuge & community based counselling, support and advocacy Perpetrator Services Education programmes; residential services Other specialist services Eg. SARCs

Challenges: Grants to commissioning PSA’s and National Indicators Local Strategic Partnerships – Community Plan Quality framework – margins to mainstream EHRC Political and economic climate

Outcome: Safer communities NI 15 Serious violent crime rate NI 20 Assaults with injury crime rate NI 32 Repeat incidents of domestic violence NI 34 Domestic violence - murder

Outcomes and National Indicators Outcome: Less homelessness and increased independent living 141 No. of vulnerable people achieving independent living 142 No. of vulnerable people who are supported to maintain independent living 156 No. of households living in temporary accommodation

Adult health and well-being : NI 119 Self-reported measure of people’s overall health and well-being Improving outcomes with children and young people: NI 50 Emotional health of children NI Achievements at KS 2 and 3, GCSEs and aged 18 NI 92 – 101 relating to progression and achievement gaps NI 110 Young people’s participation in positive activities NI 116 Proportion of children in poverty

Tactics and Tools Gender Duty National Consultation ‘Together we can end violence against women and girls’ Survival of voluntary sector + voices of women, men, girls and boys People – organisations, groups, individuals - EVAW

Using the Gender Equality Duty What is in your local Gender Equality Scheme? Who was consulted? Does address gender inequalities experienced by women, girls, men and boys in your area? Across the equality strands Gender impact assessments

Way forward National Guidance and Indicator for VAW Quality framework High quality provision in every area that includes children and young people National publicity campaign In partnership

Women’s Aid – –Freephone 24-hour National DV Helpline –Run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge –Language Line and Type Talk availability Provides support, information, listening services to women experiencing DV and to those seeking help on a women’s behalf. Explores available options and if appropriate refers on to local refuges, DV services and other sources of help and information. UK-refuges online: up-to-date bed space availability across UK On- line Survivors Handbook –

What does it take to get people to talk about domestic violence?